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Tour
the Black Country and you travel a trail through time,
from a primeval shallow sea, to the birth of the Industrial
Revolution, to the modern day. A visit to The Black
Country reveals a rich seam of art, crafts, tradition
and culture set amidst historic towns and inviting green
countryside.
Just
thirty minutes by bus or train from Birmingham International
Airport you can watch Black Country artisans in authentic
18th and 19th century workshops busy at their crafts.
Well worth a visit are the leatherworks at Walsall,
the Red House Cone and Broadfield House glass-making
museums at Dudley and the enamelling workshops at Bilston.
Alternatively, discover the origins of famous names
like Chubb and Yale at the Lock Museum in Willenhall
or visit the Black Country Living Museum at Dudley,
where you will see the painstakingly reconstructed original
buildings and cross the portal into Victoria times,
magically recreated for you.
In
Wednesbury, you'll find one of the world's largest collection
of Ruski 1930s pottery. The stunning New Art Gallery
in Walsall opened in February 2000 and features the
magnificent Garman Ryan Collection - over 350 internationally
important paintings by artists like Picasso and Van
Gogh.
Prepare
to be amazed by the colourful flotillas of narrow boats
and myriad of canals that twine through the towns and
countryside.
Perhaps
you prefer to walk along quiet nature trails or through
peaceful green countryside above which historic castles
and stately homes majestically arise. Or spend time
at Sandwell Valley Country Park, home to rare, native
farm breeds like the Tamworth pig.
For
entertainment, come to Wolverhampton. Spend an evening
within the Victorian splendour of the Grand Theatre,
or dine at one of the many restaurants and enjoy the
varied night life in style. There are exciting opportunities
for shopping too, like the vast Merry Hill Centre, factory
shops, street markets and crafts centres where works
of contemporary Black Country artists are for sale and
on display.
Throughout
the four boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton
you'll find traditional Real Ale pubs, excellent restaurants
and the warm hospitality and dry sense of humour that
Black Country people are famous for.
Whatever
your age or interest, The Black Country beckons with
its unique, living heritage - truly a place of surprises
and delights.
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